Everton vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime to take on rivals Everton in the 221st Merseyside derby.

The Reds head into the game sitting second in the Premier League table after a promising start to the season and can move a point above Arsenal with a win over the Toffees ahead of the Gunners clash with third-placed Southampton later in the day.

Brendan Rodgers side thrashed Fulham 4-0 before the two week international break with Luis Suarez continuing his fine recent form with a brace to make it six goals in eight games, so Liverpool should be going into the game full of confidence.

However, they face a stubborn Everton side that have adapted well to Roberto Martinez’ new style of play and sit sixth in the table – level on points with Manchester United and just three behind the visitors – so it’s all to play for this weekend.

Everton have lost just once so far this season and have not conceded a goal in over 5 hours of Premier League football, so Liverpool are certainly going to have their work cut-out in breaching Tim Howard’s goal.

Team News

Everton have no fresh injury concerns to deal with following the international break. Defender Antolin Alcaraz is back in training after recovering from a hernia but is unlikely to be recalled just yet.

Tony Hibbert is also pushing for a recall having recovered from a calf strain but may have to make-do with a place among the subs. Striker Arouna Kone and midfielder Darron Gibson remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Jose Enrique is facing a spell on the sidelines with his troublesome knee injury requiring surgery. Aly Cissokho has failed to impress during his time at the club and Brendan Rodgers has hinted that he may draft in young Jon Flanagan for the game with Glen Johnson moving out to the left side of defence.

Striker Daniel Sturridge played the full ninety minutes for England on Tuesday despite suffering from a dead leg in recent weeks, but he’s expected to come through a late fitness test to start.

Luis Suarez is also expected to start despite his gruelling long-haul trip away with Uruguay in midweek, while Victor Moses and Jordan Henderson will fight for a start on the right side of midfield.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score & Betting

For those who enjoy a bet, the smart money would be on under 2.5 goals as this is likely to be a tight game, but if you check the full list of online gambling sites none are offering any real value on this market, so it’s not really worth your time backing this bet.

Therefore we’d recommend looking at the exact score market. These games are usually difficult to predict and even more so now that both teams are doing well, but as I’ve already said there is unlikely to be many goals tomorrow and with Everton being so difficult to beat, I’d be tempted to back a 1-1 draw. If you want a little more value, go with 1-1 at full-time and Luis Suarez to score first.

Key Man

Luis Suarez: Who else? The magical Uruguayan has been superb so far this season and if anyone is capable of breaching the rock solid Everton defence, it’s this man.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your score prediction? Share your suggestions below.